Patriots 2025-26 Offseason Discussion

[Redz]

Kirk Minihane is now an NFL Insider. 

Seems like just yesterday he was on WEEI with Dennis and Callahan. Ripping on Sausage every chance  that he got.

Man.  Hadn?t heard his name in forever.  He started out as kind of a cute miserable side act, but when they gave him the main stage it was completely overbearing.  It?s too bad.  Beneath the act I think there was some good substance. 

Sidebar to the sidebar on WEEI:  never was a fan of Ted Johnson off the field.  Not sure what he?s bringing to the table.  I guys the station is 99% Patriots talk year round so why not bring in another football guy?

Back on topic:  love the McDaniels hire.  It?s just another step towards legitimacy.  Now go get some talented players.

[Donoghus]

Seeing Terrell Williams being floated out there as potential defensive coordinator.  Currently D line coach with the Lions.  Worked with Vrabel in Tenn.

Looks like this is happening.

Mike Reiss
@MikeReiss
Lions DL coach/run-game coordinator Terrell Williams coming aboard as Patriots defensive coordinator, reuniting with Mike Vrabel.

NFL coaching resume:

Raiders: 2012-2014
Dolphins: 2015-2017
Titans: 2018-2023
Lions: 2024

Prior to that 14 years in the college ranks. DL-based.

[Roy H.]

Seeing Terrell Williams being floated out there as potential defensive coordinator.  Currently D line coach with the Lions.  Worked with Vrabel in Tenn.

Looks like this is happening.

Mike Reiss
@MikeReiss
Lions DL coach/run-game coordinator Terrell Williams coming aboard as Patriots defensive coordinator, reuniting with Mike Vrabel.

NFL coaching resume:

Raiders: 2012-2014
Dolphins: 2015-2017
Titans: 2018-2023
Lions: 2024

Prior to that 14 years in the college ranks. DL-based.

Dang.  The Lions staff is going to be decimated.  Word is they're probably losing Hank Fraley, as well.

[green_bballers13]

Kirk Minihane is now an NFL Insider. 

Seems like just yesterday he was on WEEI with Dennis and Callahan. Ripping on Sausage every chance  that he got.

Man.  Hadn?t heard his name in forever.  He started out as kind of a cute miserable side act, but when they gave him the main stage it was completely overbearing.  It?s too bad.  Beneath the act I think there was some good substance. 

Sidebar to the sidebar on WEEI:  never was a fan of Ted Johnson off the field.  Not sure what he?s bringing to the table.  I guys the station is 99% Patriots talk year round so why not bring in another football guy?

Back on topic:  love the McDaniels hire.  It?s just another step towards legitimacy.  Now go get some talented players.

Yeah, Kirk is shtick, just like Felger, Stephen A, Cowherd, Skip, etc. They play characters to draw ratings. And they are successful.

I've met Ted a couple times and he was really friendly. Friendlier than other former athletes that have strangers come up to them to talk. He was (rightfully) upset that Bill didn't trust that he was seriously injured post concussions. It's tough to put everything on the line for someone that doesn't trust you. I'm pretty sure Gronk is still aggravated at Bill, as he had run-ins with him about injuries. I'd be upset too.

McDaniels was the best possible hire. This guy Terrell Williams seems awesome too. Abdul Carter, Christian Barmore, and Keon White is a good start to the defensive front. The roster construction will be fascinating and I'm looking forward to seeing hardo football players coming to NE.

[Neurotic Guy]

With the grief the Krafts have received here and on sports radio, I think it?s interesting that Vrabel and McDaniels are willing to return to work for them.  Both certainly have other, just as lucrative, options.  I?ve had lousy bosses that you couldn?t pay me enough to go back to. Maybe Bob and Jonathan aren?t so bad to work for.

[boscel33]

HC:  Vrabel
OC:  Josh
DC:  Terrell

That's a formidable coaching staff to build the rest around.

If they don't trade back, my prediction is Carter or Graham with #4.

[green_bballers13]

With the grief the Krafts have received here and on sports radio, I think it?s interesting that Vrabel and McDaniels are willing to return to work for them.  Both certainly have other, just as lucrative, options.  I?ve had lousy bosses that you couldn?t pay me enough to go back to. Maybe Bob and Jonathan aren?t so bad to work for.

It's absurd. I can't think of a more successful ownership group in the game, and yet they are mocked incessantly by guys on the radio driving up Rt 95 that can't spell Cat. It (and other brutal takes) has made local sports radio untenable vs podcasts, etc.

People didn't like the Apple doc. Sure, I get that. They think he was mean to poor Bill Belichick- ok. They think he is tanking the franchise? C'mon.

Many think that Kraft is cheap.... Bill was in control, and everyone knew that. He will be in control of everything in North Carolina. It's part of the reason Kraft fired him- he wanted control of his team back. I'd be shocked if the Patriots don't spend significant money this off-season.

Then what will people have to say about Kraft?

[Phantom255x]

HC:  Vrabel
OC:  Josh
DC:  Terrell

That's a formidable coaching staff to build the rest around.

If they don't trade back, my prediction is Carter or Graham with #4.

What's the consensus with Graham? I admit I know a ton about Hunter, Carter, etc. but not really Graham, does anyone here happen to know much about him?

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

FWIW,

Kirk Minihane

@kirkmin
Sources: Josh McDaniels will be named offensive coordinator of the Patriots. Announcement is imminent.

Meh. I always felt that McDaniels was good between the 20s but then often got too cute in the red zone.

Yeah but for me, at least he's competent compared to others we've had in the recent past and has real experience calling plays. It'd be a risk just hiring a brand new OC (first time in the role) and hoping they deliver. McDaniels also did make Mac Jones look really good in 2021, something no one has been able to do since. Guys like Bourne and Stevenson also seemed to flourish when he was there, and have sort of gone downhill or aren't really factors anymore.

Another thing to look at is, he's no flight risk to leave for another HC gig because I think at this point he's done in that regard. Doubt there'll be a third team going after him after his Broncos and Raiders' stints.

Good points. He's definitely an improvement from recent OCs. I just hope he's learned and grown as an OC since his last stint here, particularly in regard to red-zone offense.

[A Future of Stevens]

HC:  Vrabel
OC:  Josh
DC:  Terrell

That's a formidable coaching staff to build the rest around.

If they don't trade back, my prediction is Carter or Graham with #4.

What's the consensus with Graham? I admit I know a ton about Hunter, Carter, etc. but not really Graham, does anyone here happen to know much about him?

He along with Carter and Hunter are considered the most "blue chip" of this draft class. He is an elite run defender, and is amazing at generating pressure on passing downs from the middle of the line. One respected analyst said he is 6'3 320, but moves like he is 6'3 290, but hits like he is 340.

In a pretty awful draft, he would be a great pick at 4. In terms of pure "talent" he wouldn't be a reach at our spot. It would be more about if a DT is worth the 4th pick if we already have our franchise DT in Barmore (if healthy.)

[Phantom255x]

HC:  Vrabel
OC:  Josh
DC:  Terrell

That's a formidable coaching staff to build the rest around.

If they don't trade back, my prediction is Carter or Graham with #4.

What's the consensus with Graham? I admit I know a ton about Hunter, Carter, etc. but not really Graham, does anyone here happen to know much about him?

He along with Carter and Hunter are considered the most "blue chip" of this draft class. He is an elite run defender, and is amazing at generating pressure on passing downs from the middle of the line. One respected analyst said he is 6'3 320, but moves like he is 6'3 290, but hits like he is 340.

In a pretty awful draft, he would be a great pick at 4. In terms of pure "talent" he wouldn't be a reach at our spot. It would be more about if a DT is worth the 4th pick if we already have our franchise DT in Barmore (if healthy.)

TP! Thanks.

So I guess at #4 he would be a nice pick. I was just worried that maybe he was a "reach" pick at 4. If Carter + Hunter are gone by 4, I think they'll either take the WR McMillan, DT Graham, or trade down to a QB-needy team and grab Banks or Campbell with the pick around 7-10 range.

[Vermont Green]

HC:  Vrabel
OC:  Josh
DC:  Terrell

That's a formidable coaching staff to build the rest around.

If they don't trade back, my prediction is Carter or Graham with #4.

What's the consensus with Graham? I admit I know a ton about Hunter, Carter, etc. but not really Graham, does anyone here happen to know much about him?

He along with Carter and Hunter are considered the most "blue chip" of this draft class. He is an elite run defender, and is amazing at generating pressure on passing downs from the middle of the line. One respected analyst said he is 6'3 320, but moves like he is 6'3 290, but hits like he is 340.

In a pretty awful draft, he would be a great pick at 4. In terms of pure "talent" he wouldn't be a reach at our spot. It would be more about if a DT is worth the 4th pick if we already have our franchise DT in Barmore (if healthy.)

TP! Thanks.

So I guess at #4 he would be a nice pick. I was just worried that maybe he was a "reach" pick at 4. If Carter + Hunter are gone by 4, I think they'll either take the WR McMillan, DT Graham, or trade down to a QB-needy team and grab Banks or Campbell with the pick around 7-10 range.

If both Carter and Hunter go in the top 3, I think there would be a very good chance to trade the pick to a team looking for a QB.  I don't see that happening though.  That would require two of the top 3 teams to pass on QBs.  Probably someone trades up into the top 3 for a QB so we end up with either Hunter or Carter and someone else moves down.

[Vermont Green]

As to the Patriots defense, we played most of the season without Barmore, Bentley, and Peppers.  That will be some really good returning talent.  I feel like the DL can be decent.  I don't know if Barmore will be back but it seems like he will be.  I can't see using pick #4 on DL.  Depth there can be addressed in later rounds.  Carter is intriguing and you probably are happy to take him if available at #4.

If we end up trading down to say 6-12, I would prefer to target OT over DL with that pick or maybe receiver.  My ideal scenario is to get a solid LT as a FA to directly address that issue, then use the draft to build depth in the OL, allow for more flexibility with draft picks.

[Neurotic Guy]

As to the Patriots defense, we played most of the season without Barmore, Bentley, and Peppers.  That will be some really good returning talent.  I feel like the DL can be decent.  I don't know if Barmore will be back but it seems like he will be.  I can't see using pick #4 on DL.  Depth there can be addressed in later rounds.  Carter is intriguing and you probably are happy to take him if available at #4.

If we end up trading down to say 6-12, I would prefer to target OT over DL with that pick or maybe receiver.  My ideal scenario is to get a solid LT as a FA to directly address that issue, then use the draft to build depth in the OL, allow for more flexibility with draft picks.

I think the only thing that will mitigate the trauma of losing out on the top pick for me would be a trade down - assuming a top OT or WR is available in the 6-12 range and we can still pick up some valuable draft assets.  I still wake up in disbelief that the Pats blew that golden opportunity.   Would be so much fun right now speculating on trades for the #1. 

What's with Peppers?

[Vermont Green]

As to the Patriots defense, we played most of the season without Barmore, Bentley, and Peppers.  That will be some really good returning talent.  I feel like the DL can be decent.  I don't know if Barmore will be back but it seems like he will be.  I can't see using pick #4 on DL.  Depth there can be addressed in later rounds.  Carter is intriguing and you probably are happy to take him if available at #4.

If we end up trading down to say 6-12, I would prefer to target OT over DL with that pick or maybe receiver.  My ideal scenario is to get a solid LT as a FA to directly address that issue, then use the draft to build depth in the OL, allow for more flexibility with draft picks.

I think the only thing that will mitigate the trauma of losing out on the top pick for me would be a trade down - assuming a top OT or WR is available in the 6-12 range and we can still pick up some valuable draft assets.  I still wake up in disbelief that the Pats blew that golden opportunity.   Would be so much fun right now speculating on trades for the #1. 

What's with Peppers?

Actually, that is a good question.  He is under contract through 2027.  After missing a bunch of games with the legal issues, he did play a couple of games in December, before being placed on IR.  Ended up playing in 6 games total.  I am thinking he is probably back next season, or maybe traded.

He and Duggar are a very solid Safety tandem.